------------------------------------------3/04 - Amanda writes ...Mr. Niednagel - Hi. I'm doing a report for school, and was wondering exactly how dinosaurs are classified. Are they just reptiles? If so, how come we don't just put them next to lizards and alligators and stuff?
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Classification of dinosaurs continues to be unresolved among experts. Most animals of today are categorized on the basis of their skin or feathers. Because dinosaurs are limited to nothing but bones, identification is often uncertain.

Other than the enormous size of many dinosaurs, the most prolific feature that distinguishes them from other reptiles (such as crocodiles) is the position of their limbs. Dinosaurs had posture that was fully erect, similar to that in mammals. Most other reptiles have limbs in a sprawling position.

For instance, compare the way a crocodile "walks" with that of, say, a cow. Dinosaurs would have moved similar to a cow, with the limbs supporting the body from beneath. Crocodiles "waddle," as their limbs project sideways from their body.

Scientists have divided dinosaurs into two groups, or orders, according to the way their hipbones are formed. In one order, almost all dinosaurs have hipbones somewhat like those of other kinds of reptiles, so they are known as saurischians (saw RIHS kee uhnz), or "lizard hips." In the other order, dinosaurs have hipbones that are more like those of birds. They are known as ornithischians (awr nuh THIHS kee uhnz), or "bird hips." However, the similarity between the two stops here. To take the next step and claim that birds evolved from dinosaurs exceeds and crosses all borders of science. At that point, it becomes a simple belief. A misguided theory.

Each of the two orders is made up of a number of dinosaur families. The cat family, for example, is made up of lions, tigers, leopards and many other creatures that are all much alike.

Cryptozoology - The study of the hidden animal world, cryptozoology is a science of speculation and surprise, involving the search for animals thought to be extinct to new creatures never before identified.

Creation vs Evolution - What was popularized in 1859 by former Christian turned agnostic, Charles Darwin, has in our day become one of the most hotly contested and sharply dividing issues to be found anywhere.

Dinosaurs - Considerable controversy surrounds dinosaurs, from their place in history to their color, habits, and overall physiology. As viewpoints collide, the search for answers continues.